Off-licences have now been added to the government list of essential businesses that are allowed to stay open during the coronavirus outbreak to help keep the country running.
With pubs and bars having earlier been told they must close, the updated list added licensed shops selling alcohol, including those in breweries. Other businesses that can stay open include corner shops, pharmacies, supermarkets, hardware stores, banks, petrol stations and bike shops.
Many supermarkets have been selling out of alcohol as people prepare for long spells in their homes amid the government lockdown.
Pubs have seen all their trade move to the supermarket sector. Breweries and pub operators are believed to be lobbying the government for permission to launch takeaway alcohol services to help them survive the crisis.
It was revealed this week that JD Wetherspoon has told its suppliers it will not pay them until its 874 pubs are allowed to reopen after the coronavirus lockdown. “We are asking for a moratorium on payments, until the pubs reopen, at which point we intend to clear outstanding payments, within a short timeframe,” it said in an email to firms.
“We understand that this puts significant pressure on our suppliers, but we are kindly asking for your assistance during this very difficult period.”
